American politics has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent decades, making the presence of celebrities in the political sphere go from a rarity to an increasingly common reality. In the past, the relationship between politics and celebrities was simple: celebrities were mostly used as endorsements to improve the acceptance rate of a candidate’s chances of winning. Now more than ever, celebrities are taking on a more active role in politics, going as far as aspiring for a political position.
Let’s go back a few years, to the 2020 presidential election. This was a rather unusual one, to say the least. It took place amid a pandemic, and Kanye West was a presidential candidate. Running under the “Birthday” Party and having Elon Musk as his campaign advisor was believed to have been a joke. In what could be regarded as the most important presidential election in U.S. history, the rapper’s candidacy to many felt like mocking. A presidential race and its results are going to affect real people and have real-life consequences. The outcome of an election is important and a person who is unclear on their stance as president can be extremely frustrating for those who will be affected. Of course, it was clear from the start that he would not win the presidency, yet he still received almost 70,000 votes, which can be considered wasted.
But it’s not all doom and gloom like West’s case. Sonny Bono, best known for rising to fame in the 1960s as part of the musical duo Sonny & Cher, also had a presence in the world of politics. He transitioned into politics in an unexpected but successful way when he ventured into the political arena at the local level in Palm Springs, California. There, he became actively involved in community affairs and was elected Mayor of Palm Springs in 1988. His commitment and success at this level paved the way for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. Actress, Shirley Temple, a beloved child star of the 1930s, also made her mark in American politics. After her retirement from acting, Temple pursued a career in diplomacy. In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed her as the U.S. Ambassador of Ghana, making her the first and youngest female Chief of Protocol of the United States. Later, she served as the U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.
However, the growing presence of celebrities in politics raises questions about the competence and experience necessary to lead a nation. Is notoriety an adequate substitute for political skill and governmental experience? The answer to this question is crucial in determining the future course of American politics. Society faces the challenge of balancing the charismatic appeal of public personalities with the need for capable and competent leaders.
A 2021 survey found that 63% of Americans believed celebrities made good politicians. At least 58% said they would support Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or Matthew McConaughey if either actor decided to run for president. Some parties took the survey results seriously and decided to take matters into their own hands. A couple of months ago, The Rock disclosed that several political parties, which he declined to name, repeatedly approached him to offer a presidential candidacy in the 2024 election.
It is interesting to think that these political parties have to resort to someone who has no background in politics but is a known celebrity whose name will draw public attention. Is this really what American politics has come to? A recent survey might lead us to the answer. With a historic low of 16% of the American public trusting the government, political parties are in desperate search for ways to change that. The answer might just be celebrities; we already know them, we like them, and, if they inspire us enough, we can be swayed easily enough to vote for them. The paradigm is shifting and the public seeks different leaders, so who knows, maybe celebrities are the future of politics.
When reflecting on the future of American politics, it is undeniable that celebrities are playing an increasingly prominent role in the political world. The intersection of celebrity and politics can be a catalyst for change. Still, its positive impact will depend on the authenticity and dedication of those who choose to take this significant step toward public service.
